....stuff deleted

Both you, Ken, and Melissa bring up a very good point. Ocean and lakes are
NOT rated by the traditional river rating system, because the conditions are
so variable. As a result, folks who play on the beach are welcome to devise
their own rating system, and it is inevitably based on their own ability
to run that particular water. And on any particular day, three different
boaters may rate the same beach waves differently, depending on their skills
and equipment.

River runners need a similar system, or else there will be the same old
arguments forever about whether or not class 4 is 'runnable' in an open
boat, or class 5 is 'runnable' at all.....


Valid points, all. After reviewing the Tsunami Ranger's rating system, I
was fairly impressed by the number factors they consider, but as was
pointed out, common sense (gee, this looks dangerous) is the best
defense. Too many seem to lack the skill and are overly optimistic about
the conditions.

In my ocean trips, I always ask others for an assessment of the
conditions. Often, I stay out of it, entirely, until everyone has their
say. If anyone feels uncomfortable with the conditions, we change the
paddling plan (calmer sites are often available). Sometimes, I make the
choice for the group to change the plan (if I am leading, that is).
There are times when novices choose conditions that are beyond their
skill and I've seen this both in paddling and diving.

Sadly, nobody is completely innocent of this. Sometimes, having a mix of
novices and experienced paddlers is what keeps a group from making the
wrong choices.

Rick